HEALTH NEWS

HEALTH NEWS

Scientists have discovered that cells in the amniotic fluid that protects a developing baby and allows it to grow can revive weak and ageing bones. The research team at the Institute of Child Health carried out the study on mice, injecting diseased mice the with amniotic stem cells from material left over from screening tests during pregnancy or collected immediately before birth. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, showed cells in the fluid strengthened bone and cut fractures by 80 per cent. The stem cells were able to strengthen the bone by releasing growth factors that made the existing bone cells in the mice multiply and more effectively mature. The animals had brittle bone disease or osteogenesis imperfecta – a condition that, in people, can be fatal, affecting around one in every 25,000 births. Researchers said the finding has raised hopes for treating babies with brittle bone disease from birth, but also older people with osteoporosis, and astronauts who lose bone mass in orbit.

About Women’s Running

We’re getting into marathon-training mode in the March issue of Women’s Running, out now! Join in our #BigMarathonChallenge with one of our three targeted 12-week training plans - you’ll find part one in this issue. We’ve also got an eight-move workout designed to get your body ready for marathon running. Using your commute to get some miles in? Find the right rucksack for you with our test. Elsewhere in the issue you’ll find a guide to running for new mothers, be inspired to smile as you run, and try three fresh recipes from Clean-Eating Alice. Plus, we’ve got all the usual great gear reviews, inspiration and quick training advice.